 Hideki Asai

 Kyodo News (1st photo), Afro (2nd photo)

 Foreigners are snapping up Japanese kitchen knives costing tens of thousands of yen! While the industry is booming thanks to inbound tourism, manufacturing sites face a severe shortage of artisans—including some in their 80s still working—and the risk of the traditional division of labor collapsing. We delve into the light and shadow of Japan’s traditional crafts, which have the world in a frenzy, and uncover their little-known reality.

Japanese Knives in Global Demand Boom as Master Craftsmen Edge Toward Extinction

 Kei Kato

 In an Osaka apartment complex, residents and the management association are at odds over high “cooperation fees” and fines, frequent general meetings, and harassment via posted notices following the transition to self-management. The conflict has escalated into more than 10 lawsuits, and a significant drop in property values has also become a major issue.

Miss a Meeting, Pay ¥70,000? Resident Reveals Bitter Feud at Japan’s First Self-Managed Condo

 Wakako Tanaka

 Courtesy of Daiji Kawanaka

 “Being Manipulated”… In response to online slander directed at 15-year-old *Japan Junior High School Newspaper* reporter Daiji Kawanaka, the publisher issued an unprecedented statement. What is the reality of the “hypocrisy of adults” that he so keenly exposes, and the “discrimination against children” that remains deeply rooted in Japanese society?

&#8220;I Won’t Give In to Slander That I’m Being Manipulated!&#8221; A 15-Year-Old Reporter for the *Japan Junior High School Newspaper* Speaks Out on “Adults’ Deception and Discrimination Against Children”

 Akira Ikoma

 Sex Work Around the World and National Policies, Part 3: Part 1

 As discussions on revising Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law progress, how do countries around the world regulate the sex trade? In the third installment of this series, we explain the “decriminalization model”—a “third way” distinct from the “Nordic model” and the “legalization model.”

“Consenting Adults, No Crime?” Countries Embracing Sex Work Decriminalization Backed by Human Rights Groups

 Sex Work Around the World and the State, Part 3: Part 2

 The “decriminalization model” makes sex work between consenting adults entirely exempt from criminal punishment. While this system, which guarantees sex workers the status of employees, seemed ideal, it has reportedly sparked a flood of criticism in the countries where it has been implemented.

“Who Protects the Workers?” Concerns Grow Over Sex Work Decriminalization’s Unintended Effects

 Shinji Hasuo

 On June 10, a male corporate badminton player was arrested for stalking a woman late at night and committing an indecent act against her on the street. The man had come to Tokyo for an important tournament, and the night of the incident in February was the first night of the tournament—.

&#8220;Drinking Every Night&#8221;—Corporate Badminton Player Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman in Her 20s

 Takayuki Ogawauchi

 Due to stricter residency requirements…

 Requirements for the “Management and Administration” residency status have been abruptly changed, now mandating a minimum capital of 30 million yen. Indian restaurant owners in Nishi-Kasai’s “Little India” are crying out in distress. Voices of anger are rising over the unreasonableness of the government’s decision, including the risk that even children born in Japan could be forced to return to India.

Why Japan Could Lose Most of Its Ethnic Restaurants—A Community Leader Speaks Out

 Tsuyoshi Kinugawa

 Although the Takaichi administration appears rock-solid after its landslide victory in the general election, the “negative campaign video” scandal is gradually taking its toll. Even anonymous letters are circulating in the Nagatacho area……

&#8220;If She Had Apologized Sooner&#8221;—PM Sanae Takaichi Corrects Diet Testimony as Anonymous Memos Rock Nagatacho

 A trial regarding an assault case involving the boss of a yakuza group affiliated with the Kohei-ikka, a Sumiyoshi-kai faction, was held at the Tokyo District Court, resulting in a sentence of one year in prison, suspended for three years. However, no settlement payment was made to the victim, and prosecutors stated, “The victim cannot refuse.” We spoke with an expert.

No Settlement Money, Yet a Suspended Sentence? How an Alleged Yakuza Boss Avoided Prison

 Aki Shikama

 Afro (First Photo)

 ANA’s New Shareholder Benefits Draw a Flood of Criticism as “Cheap-Looking”! An expert explains how the “cold treatment”—limited to budget fares and LCCs—reveals a disregard for shareholders, as well as the harsh reality of the aviation industry, where ANA and JAL have taken divergent paths.

Why ANA&#8217;s New Shareholder Benefit Is Drawing Heavy Criticism From Investors

 Sayuri Saito

 Kyodo News

 Natsu Ando, with 20 years of caregiving experience, explains “Why You Should Entrust a Parent with Dementia to Professionals.” She covers essential knowledge for preparing for emergencies—including systems designed to prevent caregivers from quitting their jobs and help them balance work and caregiving, as well as where to turn for advice if you notice changes in your parent’s condition.

Natsu Ando’s Message After 20 Years of Care: Don’t Quit Your Job — Professional Support Is Key for Dementia Care

 Masayuki Katayama (Journalist)

 Reuters/Aflo (first photo) Courtesy of Mr. Narusawa

 Researchers working to search for extraterrestrial intelligent life have established the Japan SETI Research Group. Aiming to re-detect the mysterious "Wow! Signal" observed in 1977, they will conduct a large-scale observation campaign next summer. The day when the existence of aliens is confirmed is drawing near.

What Is the &#8220;Extraterrestrial Life Signal Detection Project&#8221; Launched by Astronomers? Japan Will Join the Observations Starting Next August!

 "Voices from the Shadows" Reporting Team

 From the YouTube channel "Voices in the Shadows," which conducts original interviews with the nameless victims of crimes and accidents, we present an update on the family of the victim in the "Matsudo Third-Grade Girl Murder Case" that occurred in 2017. Where did the family, who vanished without a trace, go?

They Vowed to Carry On Their Daughter&#8217;s Dream—But Suddenly Vanished From Public View

 [Playback]: A look back at what this magazine reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. This time, we examine the “crime scene reenactment photos” of the “Ikeda Elementary School Murder Case” that this magazine obtained in 2006, five years after the incident.

[Playback &#8217;06] &#8220;Reconstruction Photos&#8221; of the &#8220;Ikeda Elementary School Incident&#8221; Tragedy&#8230; The &#8220;Unexpected Face&#8221; the Perpetrator Revealed During the On-Site Investigation

 Courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department / Kyodo News (1st photo)

 Fumitaka Kobikimaki (52), a former assistant superintendent with the Metropolitan Police Department and a specialist in organized crime, international crime, and countermeasures against drugs and firearms, reveals how he solved difficult cases that were on the verge of becoming cold cases!

A Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Narcotics Unit Undercover Agent Speaks Out: Revealing His Name and Face&#8230; The Investigation Techniques of the &#8220;Legendary Detective&#8221; Who Solved a Difficult Case That Was Bound to Remain Unsolved

 Jiji Press (1st photo), Jiji Press / Provided by the Metropolitan Police Department, Kyodo News (3rd photo)

 Fumitaka Kobikui (52), a former assistant superintendent with the Metropolitan Police Department who devoted most of his 30-year career to investigating organized crime and drug cases, spoke about the battle of wits he waged against criminal organizations that tried every trick in the book to smuggle drugs.

Metropolitan Police Department Narcotics Unit Officer Speaks Out, Revealing Name and Face… &#8220;40 kg of Stimulants in a Thresher&#8221;: The Full Story of a Top-Secret Operation Against a Drug Cartel

 Sports Hochi/Aflo

 Shinnosuke Abe, who was arrested for assaulting his eldest daughter and subsequently resigned as manager of the Giants. Since the police referred the case to the prosecution with a recommendation for “leniency,” it is widely expected that he will not be indicted…

The team is on a roll, but he’s holed up at home… Former Giants Manager Shinnosuke Abe: “No Indictment” Seems Certain, but the “Price” Is Too High

 Works as a freelance writer primarily for web media. Also involved in the production of books and corporate PR magazines. Without a specific specialty, she covers a wide range of topics that pique her interest, including history, comedy, health, beauty, travel, food, and caregiving.

 Motiko Abe

 High-performing mid-level and managerial staff who feel relieved that they’ve “made it through May” are the ones who need to be most cautious. Psychiatrists warn that “June Sickness” is more serious than “May Sickness” (an adjustment disorder) and can lead to a state close to depression. We explain why highly responsible individuals break down and how to prevent it.

Think You&#8217;re in the Clear After May? Experts Warn June Can Be Even Harder

 Afro

 [Warning] The Trap of “Legal Takeovers” Brought About by Amendments to the Condominium Act. What Lies Behind Contractors’ “Impersonation” and Massive Bid-Rigging in Large-Scale Renovations? Be Especially Cautious with Older, Small-Scale Properties in Central Tokyo. An Expert Explains the Tragedies Caused by Indifference and How to Prevent Them.

A Quiet Takeover? The Dark Side of Japan&#8217;s Condo Law Reform

 A trial was held at the Tokyo District Court for a man charged with attempted indecent assault and other offenses for allegedly coercing a male junior high school student, a pupil on his youth baseball team, into performing lewd acts. Throughout the proceedings, the man displayed a disrespectful attitude and made a series of extremely self-centered remarks.

Posing as a Teenage Girl, He Allegedly Groomed His Own Player—The Shocking Conduct of a Former Coach

 A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of pouring dish soap on sushi inside a major conveyor-belt sushi chain and posting the incident on social media. The man reportedly stated, “I wanted to increase my social media views,” but he now faces serious consequences.

He Tried to Hide From the Cameras—But the Consequences Are Just Beginning

 On June 1, a 75-year-old man was arrested for dragging a man in his 50s—with whom he had argued on a bus—off at a bus stop and slashing his face with a knife. Why do trivial matters often lead to trouble on buses and trains? We asked experts for their insights.

Elderly Rage on the Rise? 75-Year-Old Allegedly Slashes Man After Argument as Transit Incidents Mount

 Money writer and financial planner / After working as a market analyst at a securities firm, he became independent in 1996. He writes articles on finance and asset management, primarily for business and economic magazines.His books include *The First-Year Guide to Robo-Advisor Investing* and *Easy to Understand with Plenty of Illustrations! The Definitive Guide to Profiting from Cashless Payments*. ■X (formerly Twitter) → @1847mattsuu

 Kenji Matsuoka

 From 15 Million Yen in Debt Due to an Investment Scam and Job Hunting Failure Due to Depression to Achieving FIRE at 24! Revealing the Secrets of a Major Comeback—Earning 37.71 Million Yen a Day and a Total of 200 Million Yen on "note"—and the Ultimate Side Hustle Strategy: "Don’t Rely on Your Strengths."

He Lost Everything to an Investment Scam—Then Built a ¥200 Million Fortune on Note at Just 24

 Kota Ishii (Nonfiction Writer)

 Courtesy of the bereaved family, Kyodo News, and others

 In August 2020, a 21-year-old woman was stabbed to death by a teenager at a shopping center in Fukuoka. A court ruling ordered the teenager’s mother to pay damages, finding her partially responsible. Nonfiction writer Kōta Ishii interviewed the victim’s family and others. This is Part 1.

News

Japanese Knives in Global Demand Boom as Master Craftsmen Edge Toward Extinction

Miss a Meeting, Pay ¥70,000? Resident Reveals Bitter Feud at Japan’s First Self-Managed Condo

“I Won’t Give In to Slander That I’m Being Manipulated!” A 15-Year-Old Reporter for the Japan Junior High School Newspaper Speaks Out on “Adults’ Deception and Discrimination Against Children”

“Consenting Adults, No Crime?” Countries Embracing Sex Work Decriminalization Backed by Human Rights Groups

“Who Protects the Workers?” Concerns Grow Over Sex Work Decriminalization’s Unintended Effects

“Drinking Every Night”—Corporate Badminton Player Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman in Her 20s

Why Japan Could Lose Most of Its Ethnic Restaurants—A Community Leader Speaks Out

“If She Had Apologized Sooner”—PM Sanae Takaichi Corrects Diet Testimony as Anonymous Memos Rock Nagatacho

No Settlement Money, Yet a Suspended Sentence? How an Alleged Yakuza Boss Avoided Prison

Why ANA’s New Shareholder Benefit Is Drawing Heavy Criticism From Investors

Natsu Ando’s Message After 20 Years of Care: Don’t Quit Your Job — Professional Support Is Key for Dementia Care

What Is the “Extraterrestrial Life Signal Detection Project” Launched by Astronomers? Japan Will Join the Observations Starting Next August!

They Vowed to Carry On Their Daughter’s Dream—But Suddenly Vanished From Public View

[Playback ’06] “Reconstruction Photos” of the “Ikeda Elementary School Incident” Tragedy… The “Unexpected Face” the Perpetrator Revealed During the On-Site Investigation

A Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Narcotics Unit Undercover Agent Speaks Out: Revealing His Name and Face… The Investigation Techniques of the “Legendary Detective” Who Solved a Difficult Case That Was Bound to Remain Unsolved

Metropolitan Police Department Narcotics Unit Officer Speaks Out, Revealing Name and Face… “40 kg of Stimulants in a Thresher”: The Full Story of a Top-Secret Operation Against a Drug Cartel

The team is on a roll, but he’s holed up at home… Former Giants Manager Shinnosuke Abe: “No Indictment” Seems Certain, but the “Price” Is Too High

Think You’re in the Clear After May? Experts Warn June Can Be Even Harder

A Quiet Takeover? The Dark Side of Japan’s Condo Law Reform

Posing as a Teenage Girl, He Allegedly Groomed His Own Player—The Shocking Conduct of a Former Coach

He Tried to Hide From the Cameras—But the Consequences Are Just Beginning

Elderly Rage on the Rise? 75-Year-Old Allegedly Slashes Man After Argument as Transit Incidents Mount

He Lost Everything to an Investment Scam—Then Built a ¥200 Million Fortune on Note at Just 24

“I Want Him to Carry This Cross Forever”—Mother of Fukuoka Stabbing Victim Speaks Out